Choosing a French Business School - Was It Really the Right Choice?
In recent years, as studying in France has gained more attention, an increasing number of Chinese students have chosen to pursue Master's degrees in France. However, after experiencing the highly competitive 2023 application season and the 2024 graduation season, and facing the competitive financial job market, many students have begun to reflect: Was choosing a French business school really a wise decision? Sun Boming, a Chinese alumnus from the EDHEC MSc in International Finance programme, class of 2024, shares his personal insights and experiences with us.
Don’t Worry Too Much About School Rankings
I believe it’s more important to focus on personal development rather than being overly concerned with school rankings. In reality, each of the top five French business schools has its unique strengths, and the differences between them in the European job market are not as significant as one might think. One of the key factors for working in France is proficiency in French. Learning French is a continuous part of the study abroad experience and plays a crucial role in career development.
EDHEC’s Career Coaching Experience
EDHEC excels in providing career coaching services, and here are a few points from my personal experience:
1. Career preparation begins even before students arrive on campus, with many mandatory career-related activities such as mock group interviews and case studies scheduled during the first two weeks of the academic year. Failing to participate in these activities can affect graduation, which effectively motivates students to stay proactive.
2. The school sends all internship opportunities, company events, and networking session information directly to students' personal emails in a timely manner, ensuring that every student has access to these important resources. From what I’ve learned, other schools often just post these opportunities on platforms without individually notifying students by email.
3. EDHEC provides strong support for student entrepreneurial projects. For example, during the 100-day entrepreneurship event held at the main campus, the school offers ongoing guidance over the course of 100 days, helping students launch and refine their entrepreneurial ventures.
Entrepreneurial Support and French Language Training
As a student engaged in entrepreneurial activities at EDHEC, I deeply appreciate the school’s strong support. I founded a French training class tailored specifically for business students, and the school not only provided resources but also connected me with alumni who had similar experiences for exchanges and advice.
EDHEC’s Academic Environment
In my opinion, EDHEC places a strong emphasis on academic development, with the goal of training students to become professionals who can immediately adapt to the workplace. While there are certainly differences between work and study, the school is consistently working towards this goal. For example, final exams in many courses do not allow multiple-choice questions, requiring students to study diligently or risk failing the course. Although the academic pressure is significant, this is also part of the school’s rigorous academic attitude.
The Key Takeaways
As a student who has studied in both a French public school and a business school, I believe that France’s social benefits and relatively low cost of living offer excellent value. Especially once you’ve mastered the French language, the study abroad experience becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling. During my five years of studying in France, I have felt extremely satisfied and happy, meeting many kind friends and dedicated teachers. For students looking to enter the business world, business school is undoubtedly an excellent stepping stone. As long as you choose the right school, it will be the correct decision.
